Qs - converting wood burning see-thru FP to gas logs
FYI - I added a couple other ”topics” in order to see if I maybe someome would see it who has converted a wood burning fireplace to gas logs - just listing it under
”fireplaces” didn’t generate any comments! @everdebz - thanks for the ”bump!”
My SO really wants to convert our see thru wood burning fireplace between family room and study into gas logs. The biggest reason is because the glass doors have to be closed on both sides when burning wood - otherwise, smoke will come into rooms. The second reason is because of the convenience of using gas vs. wood.
I am now nervous about having gas logs installed after reading some
posts/comments on Houzz. There is conflicting information given about several things. I don’t think that it makes sense to convert it to gas logs if it is only for the convenience aspect. Also, I don’t really like the idea of spending a ton of money on high gas bills.
I am not overly concerned about the cost while using the gas logs - as I don’t think it will be used a ton. However, it does get cold where I live during the winter, and if having the damper permanently fixed open will cause a lot of passive heat loss = furnace running more = $$$, that doesn’t sound like a great idea (or if it will cause my a/c to run more during summer since it can get extremely hot during the summer).
FYI - we will not be doing this as a ”DIY” project - we will engage a professional from a local fireplace and outdoor BBQ specialty store to install the logs. My SO asked someone at the store about my question about the damper yesterday - the answer basically was that it was up to us. That doesn’t seem like a satisfactory answer to me! I’ve called back and asked to speak with someone who does actual installations - I’m waiting for a return call. I also just found out this morning that my SO has scheduled the install for TOMORROW!!??!?!
@Sammy- I read a post where you offered some advice on this issue re: having gas logs. When you had your gas logs, (i) did you have to operate it with glass doors shut, and/or (ii) was your damper permanently opened?
@petlovermarcie - I read your post from about three years ago - when you were considering converting your wood burning FP to gas logs. Did you go ahead with the conversion of your fireplace to gas logs? if yes, would you mind answering the above questions?
Anyone else who has information - please feel free to share. Thanks!
Old photos of the see thru fireplace (not at home currently) - both sides are being updated as part of the ongoing (never ending) renovations for my house.
Unfortunately, I have four fireplace to update - the two other ones are in my master bedroom and kitchen. My biggest issue will be convincing my SO that we should get rid of the brick one below!
Q - why does it seem like most men have an issue with (i) removing brick fireplaces, and (ii) painting stained wood???!!??!
Comments (6)
Kelly
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Gas to Wood
Comments (10)carters5 - Each install is probably a bit different, so your best bet might be to visit local stove dealers & have them give you estimates based on what you have & want as a replacement. Presuming your 1959 house has a traditional masonry woodburning fireplace (my house did, and also was built in 1959), you could have a gas or wood INSERT installed. Either would provide more heat than a traditional woodburning fireplace or one with just gas logs. I went with a direct-vent gas insert a couple of years ago. Wood is neither plentiful nor of good quality where I live, and I have since found that I much prefer the convenience of gas (turn it on/off as needed; no splinters/debris, ashes, bugs or smoke). My gas insert can operate as a backup heating system for the house if the electricity is out for an extended period -- fortunately, I haven't needed to use this feature. Even with the price of gas now, I don't think I would go back to wood, but only you can make the choice of what suits your lifestyle. Before the install, I had a certified chimney sweep clean & inspect everything. All components were in good working condition. A plumber ran the gas line & an electrician installed an electrical outlet in the fireplace for the blower. The insert installers ran the venting pipes & installed a chimney cap. Took some coordination & time, but it all came together with essentially no problems. You might also need permits, depending on your local building ordinances....See MoreConverting gas log to wood-burning
Comments (20)I had similar questions about my fireplace. We built 8 years ago and I paid the extra for the gas setup. Recently I wanted to use wood to help reduce heating costs. My fireplace is a Lennox unit with outside air supply and the blower setup. I figured that seeing as my house is open-concept the wood heat would work out well. I also wasnt sure what would need to be done to convert it. I wound up taking all my install paperwork to the company who installed it, as they are 5 minutes from my home. Their service manager talked with me and explained that I did in fact have a woodburning fireplace with a gas-log setup installed. He also told me that by code they have to install it with the proper chimney and tolerances for a wood fireplace. So all I had to do was remove the 'gas guts'. Ive been burning for a few months now and its SO nice:P Dave...See MoreWhat to do with an unused wood burning fireplace
Comments (21)I took my front screen off. It was shiny brass that sat on the outside of my opening. I had an old framed mirror from the bathroom remodel that when the frame came off fit perfectly in the back of the fire box. I put the mirror against the back wall, set on bricks to raise it up. I was given a candle abra that held nine pillar candles, remove the wood grate and put in the candle abra. For years I changed out the candles and decorated it for the seasons using garlands and pine cones, what ever. Wood fireplaces can be very messy and I did not what the wood mess in my living room. You have the added joy that your box is all clean. I had to scrub mine. It was great for summer parties. You could have the ambiance of a lit fire place with out the heat!...See MoreAm I crazy for wanting great room to have wood AND gas fireplaces?
Comments (23)Your architect need to check with your local codes office about what is allowed these days. There are many locations that do not allow a traditional wood burning fireplace in a new build due to air quality issues both indoors and out. They pollute both. They decrease energy efficiency as well. In a cold climate, with the new air sealing and insulation requirements, you will likely be required to choose an insert that uses externally supplied air for combustion and burns hotter in order to decrease pollution....See More
PROHansen Wholesale
2 years ago
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
2 years agodani_m08
2 years agoI haven’t been feeling well - and since I didn’t receive many comments initially, I missed seeing the new ones until today.
@dcarendt - thanks for your reply - it will definitely help the next person who has the same question! We did have the chimney inspected. We also chose to just go with the manual lighter - we’ve been manually lighting the gas starter (for this FP and the one in the kitchen) so it didn’t seem like a big deal to continue to do so. Would you mind sharing the details re: your glass doors? I would like to update mine.
When I built this house, I was graduating from law school (packed up and moved a week later)/had a baby two weeks later/started bar review classes three days after she was born/sat for bar exam when she was two months old/started working at a large law firm two weeks after taking bar exam (my older daughter started kindergarten around the same week) - so, I didn’t really spend much time selecting materials for house.
I never even thought about whether a see-thru FP would have any potential issues/drawbacks. I just thought that they looked ”cool” - so, I included one in the design. I was in my twenties then - and really didn’t know anything about building a house - or about design - neither did my husband (ex).
@Hansen Wholesale - I was hoping to hear from you as I’ve read many comments that you’ve posted on Houzz - and your comments are always helpful. I did look at your site to see what brand of gas logs you sold - my SO selected a set from the same manufacturer - so I figured that was a positive sign. I am looking to replace my doors - if you have some suggestions. I would like to purchase from someone I ”know” on Houzz. I also need to update doors on two other fireplaces (one vented gas and the other wood burning) - for a total of four sets of glass doors. I do have a question for you -
No clip was installed on my damper - I specifically asked about this requirement because I thought it would have to be permanently fixed partially open (at least - and maybe fully open). Does this depend on the specific jurisdiction re: code requirements - or is this universally required across the U.S.? I haven’t looked up codes yet - just thought I’d ask prior to doing so.
@Patricia Colwell Consulting - the FP is located between my family/living room and study. I had vented gas logs installed - wasn’t ever interested in ventless gas logs because I wouldn’t want to risk fumes leaking into home (also, I don’t think they are allowed where I live).
I did do my own investigation - spoke with the person who would be installing the logs in order to have my questions answered prior to installation + spoke to owner of store.
Everything has been installed and works fine. I actually was surprised about the amount of heat produced. Also, I’ve had zero issues re: smoke while operating. I will be replacing the doors with new ones - I just haven’t had time to look yet.
I do know that he’s definitely enjoyed the new gas logs!
dcarendt